In a world that celebrates speed and instant success, Mike San Diego, Certified Financial Consultant and CFO of EON Group, offers a different kind of story—one built on patience, persistence, and purpose.
“It took me ten years to finish my Masters and now I appreciate why I did so,” San Diego told Financial Adviser PH.
The journey wasn’t linear. As he navigated the demands of corporate life, family responsibilities, and leadership roles, his postgraduate education often had to take the backseat. But he never gave up. Instead of seeing the long timeline as a setback, he sees it as a strength—proof that growth doesn’t have a deadline.
“Always upgrade, whatever it means and however it takes,” San Diego says. That mindset of continuous learning didn’t end with his Master’s degree. He also pursued multiple certifications—not for the titles or accolades, but for the knowledge.
“I took a couple of certifications, not just for the title but for the learnings,” he shares. For him, the value of education lies in its practical impact—how it improves decision-making, sharpens strategy, and helps him lead with clarity and confidence.
As a CFO in a fast-evolving industry, San Diego believes that being up-to-date is non-negotiable. Whether it’s understanding new financial frameworks, navigating digital transformation, or exploring how AI affects the business landscape, staying current gives him—and his organization—a competitive edge.
But beyond the technical skills, his decade-long commitment to education also shaped his character. “It taught me discipline, resilience, and humility,” he adds. “It reminded me that learning is a lifelong journey—and that there’s no shame in taking your time.”
To young professionals and mid-career leaders alike, San Diego’s message is simple: don’t stop learning—even when life gets busy, even when it takes longer than expected. Because eventually, the time you invest in yourself pays off in ways far greater than a degree
